Becoming a Titus 2 Woman by Shalene

the older women likewise, that they be reverent in behavior, not slanderers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things-- that they admonish the young women to love their husbands, to love their children, to be discreet, chaste, homemakers, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God may not be blasphemed. Titus 2:3-5 NKJV

On Friday, I left you with requests for your prayers and for the hope that I would continue to write my inspirational thoughts for all to read. Well, today, I'm back to say that after much thought, prayer, and discussion, I here and I'm staying, until I'm led by God to quit. That moment has not come. Yeah!!!!

What I have learned this weekend is that it is not an all or nothing endeavor that I employ. I have learned that I must adjust to my roles in both my home life and my writing, and the ministry that my writing is to be. I also must adjust the amount of time I spend "visiting" others.

My entire life, I will be striving towards Proverbs 31 status. Sometimes, I may fall short. Other times, I may seem to be fitting her description. I have found though, that perhaps my role, is more of a Titus 2 wife, now. Though the two are much the same, and I am loathe to call myself an older woman, that is precisely what I am, as a mother to 3 girls (and one boy.)

I am going to continue to write. However, I am going to put more emphasis on my home life, and a bit less on my blog, website, and visiting other blogs. I'm thinking there probably will not be a noticeable difference to anyone except my family. :) I will be spending more time teaching my girls to love God, love their husbands, and to love their future children. It's kind of hard to teach them that, if I'm not doing that (or even not enough).

I thank you again for all your prayers and your words of encouragement. May the blessings of the Lord be upon all of you!

There is no MORE to this post.

A True Proverbs 31 Woman

As a Christian wife and mother, I find myself wanting to be a Proverbs 31 Woman. I strive to be all that she is. In doing so, I often find that I am trying to be all that she was, all at one time. Do you find yourself doing this? Do you find that you try to be a homemaker, business person, a giver of wise council, profitable in your dealings, able to spin fabrics or do other arts and crafts to beautify your home, and be faithful to the Lord all at once? The Proverbs 31 woman is said to be more precious than rubies, because of all that she does. I challenge you though, to find anywhere in Proverbs 31 that states she did all these things at the same time.

So often, I think we, as women living in the 21st century, try too hard to be all that society tells us we should be, while also attempting to keep that Word of God uppermost in our lives. I think that we forget that society is not the ruler by which we should measure ourselves. When we fall into the trap of perfectionistic performance, we subject ourselves to all manner of feelings that lead us into sinful behaviors and to have sinful feelings. Feelings of worry, anxiety, worthlessness, anger, self-pity, and on and on. How can we be givers of wise council, if the lives we lead to not illustrate that which would give glory to the Lord?

What happens to you when you feel worried, anxious, or unworthy? Do you, like me, take it out on those closest to you? Do you cease to be a mother whose "children stand and bless her" Proverbs 31:28 (NLT) or a wife whose "husband praises her." Proverbs 31:28 (NLT) Are you "clothed in strength and dignity, laughing without fear of the future"? Are your words "wise" and do you "give instructions with kindness"? Proverbs 31:25,26 (NLT)

We that are called to be wives and/or mothers are not called to perfection. We are called to be examples to our children of what Godly living is all about, and to be helpmates to our husbands. We are also called to be Titus 2 women: to "teach others what is good. These older women must train the younger women to love their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, to work in their homes, to do good and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they will not bring shame on the word of God." Titus 2:3-5 We cannot do this if we are trying so hard that we miss the prize.

---Lord, I pray today that you show me the path to serenity and balance in my life. Convict me of my sinful desires to be perfect in every way. Show me where I can improve. Be merciful in your correction, Lord, in the same way that I am to be to my children. I desire first and foremost to serve you and to mirror Christ's love to my family and to all I come into contact with. I thank you for your guidance every day.
In Jesus Holy Name I Pray.
Amen